Enduro rider dies at event

A Tauranga mountain biker has died after suffering a cardiac arrest while competing at the Nzo Moonride in the Rotorua Redwoods.

St John Ambulance paramedics were called to the iconic 24 hour ride held at the Waipa mountain bike area off State Highway 5 about 5.30pm on Saturday.

Competitors take off in the 12 hour and six hour events at the Nzo Moonride. Photo: Event Promotions.

SunLive can this morning confirm the man is 60-year-old Andrew James Carmichael.

St John Central Region communication manager Mark Tregoweth says Andrew went into cardiac arrest while on the trail.

Andrew was dead when paramedics arrived on scene.

“We did attend the incident but the body was handed to over to police,” says Mark.

Event Promotions general manager Murray Fleming confirms the man is from Tauranga but does not want to comment further.

Bay of Plenty Police communications manager Kim Perks says there are no suspicious circumstances and the matter has been referred to the coroner.

A funeral notice from the family says Andrew was the loving husband of Pam and the “coolest dad and father in law” of Mel and Tim, James and Rebecca, and Sarah.

He was a playful grandpa of Devon, Jett and Reefe.

“Always with a smile, forever in our hearts,” says the notice.

A service for Andrew will be held at Holy Trinity, corner of 3rd Avenue and Devonport Road, Tauranga on Friday at 11am.

The 20th edition of the Nzo moonride saw teams of up to five riders take on the 9km circuit and complete as many laps as they can within the timeframe of their event; either the 24 hour event, 12 hour or six hour.